Shocking Stat: Cody Whitehair is the worst starting center in the NFL

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace was lauded for drafting center Cody Whitehair after the former Kansas State star’s superb rookie season. Whitehair was recognized by many major outlets as one of 2016’s best young players and was expected to push for All Pro honors this year.

Instead, Whitehair is playing like the worst starting center in the NFL.

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According to Pro Football Focus, Whitehair ranks 34th out of 34 centers graded so far this season. His 32.0 grade is downright brutal.

Broken down further, Whitehair has scored a 35.6 grade in the passing game, and a 32.2 as a run blocker. Yikes.

To put those numbers in perspective, PFF’s scale requires a player to reach a 60 to be considered below average. Whitehair has a long way to go.

The dropoff in his level of play is remarkable. He scored an 85.6 for his performance in 2016. The tape doesn’t lie, either. Whitehair is consistently whiffing on second-level blocks and has been overwhelmed by power players.

He’s a big reason for Jordan Howard’s struggles.

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One possible explanation for Whitehair’s disappointing play is the absence of left guard Kyle Long. The interior of any offensive line is like a rhythmic dance between the center and his guards. Without Long in the lineup, Whitehair has been offbeat.

He’s not alone in his struggles along Chicago’s offensive line. Josh Sitton, a universally recognized stud, has a 51.7 grade, while right tackle Bobby Massie has whiffed his way to a 49.7.

It’s easy to put the blame for the offense’s woes on the players who have the ball in their hands, but they’re only as successful as the linemen keeping them clean. Unfortunately for the Bears, the front five has woefully under-performed so far in 2017.